June 11, 2025
DES MOINES, Iowa - The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with the Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force (CITSTF), and law enforcement across Iowa June 17-19 to educate drivers about the importance of yielding to vehicles on the shoulder displaying flashing lights. Expect to see extra law enforcement on the road looking for those in violation of Iowa’s Move Over Law.
The Move-Over Law has been in effect since 2002 in Iowa. It requires motorists to change lanes or slow down if changing lanes is not possible when approaching a vehicle on the shoulder displaying flashing lights. This includes emergency vehicles, tow trucks, commercial trucks, and passenger vehicles with flashing lights or hazard lights illuminated.
There have been numerous cases in Iowa and nationwide that resulted in traffic fatalities due to a driver not moving over. One group at increased risk is the towing industry. Hanifen Towing, operating in the greater Des Moines area for over 100 years, has been directly impacted by the consequences of a driver's failure to move over. In 2011, Hanifen's lost two employees on the job.
"Hanifen Towing has unfortunately been affected by drivers not slowing down or moving over on the road. Our hearts are with the families and community who still mourn this unspeakable loss. We have helped pass stronger laws to protect our employees on the side of the road. Every year, nearly 50 tow truck operators lose their lives in America while performing roadside assistance. This is a devastating statistic that does not always receive the attention it deserves. These deaths, along with those of police and emergency personnel, are an enormous tragedy," says Matt Hurd from Hanifen Towing. "I am happy to see that all 50 states have passed move over laws, and I encourage them to continue educating drivers everywhere to look out for tow truck drivers, first responders and other people assisting on the road."
Penalties for violating this law (Iowa Code 321.323A/Iowa Code 321.324) include a fine of $210.25 and can include suspension of driver's license privileges ranging from 90 days to one year in cases of property damage, bodily injury, or death.
If you see flashing lights on the side of the road, blue, amber, or red- move over. By enforcing this law and bringing awareness to the alarming statistics of Move-Over related fatalities, CITSTF and GTSB hope to save lives and increase safety on Iowa roads.
If you would like further information or would like to inquire about media requests, please contact Nicole Hassenstab with GTSB at hassenstab@dps.state.ia.us, or 515-321-7267.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce death and injury on Iowa roads using federally funded grants.
Source: Iowa Department of Transportation
ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes seven divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state, and federal government agencies and the private sector to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service, and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Professional Development and Support Services Division, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.
Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E. 7th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
215 E 7th St
Des Moines, IA 50319